Port History

Canada's Atlantic Gateway: An Illustrated History of the Port of Halifax

James Frost chronicles the fascinating history of one of the largest, most impressive natural harbours in the world.
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For over 250 years the Port of Halifax has remained a cornerstone of economic activity for the city, the region and the province as a whole. The Port's strategic location made Halifax an ideal Gateway into North America for settlers and shippers and a perfect vantage point for military operations. The following is a collection of highlights and achievements in the Port's history.

1900's

1912

Halifax deploys a rescue mission after the sinking of the Titanic. 190 bodies are brought back to Halifax with many being buried here.

1917

A French munitions ship (the Mont Blanc) and a Belgian relief ship (the Imo), collide in Halifax Harbour causing the world's largest man-made explosion before the nuclear age. The blast kills 2,000 people, injures 9,000 others and destroys 325 acres of land.

1922

The Royal Halifax Yacht Club becomes the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron.

1928

Pier 21 opens as a gateway to Canada for over 1million immigrants.
The Halifax Harbour Commission is established to oversee terminal construction.